# Q2A · Explain in detail with respect to its causes and stages of Disaster management the ca…

Subject: Disaster Management

Exam: TEE

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Actual older TEE paper · 100 marks · Q1 compulsory; any four of Q2–Q7

### Q2A. Explain in detail with respect to its causes and stages of Disaster management the case study of “Tsunami in Indian Ocean, 2004”. [10 marks]

#### Answer

1. **Event and setting:** On 26 December 2004 a major undersea earthquake near Sumatra generated a destructive Indian Ocean tsunami.
2. **Causes and vulnerability:** Seafloor displacement generated waves; exposed coastal settlements and limited warning readiness increased losses.
3. **Impacts:** Coastal inundation, housing and livelihood destruction and disruption across several countries, including India.
4. **Response and recovery:** Rescue, shelter and livelihood rehabilitation; India subsequently strengthened tsunami monitoring and warning through INCOIS/ITEWC.
5. **Lessons:** Combine ocean/seismic monitoring with last-mile warnings, marked evacuation routes, drills, risk-informed coastal development and accessible safe destinations.

#### Real case and learning connection · Indian Ocean tsunami, 2004

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami shows how a large undersea disturbance can create destructive coastal waves. It also illustrates why coastal risk knowledge, detection, clear warnings and evacuation capability must work together; a monitoring instrument alone cannot move people to safety.

For tsunami management, GIS provides a common location-based picture for agencies. Data quality, access, update time and field verification determine its usefulness.

Swipe across the diagram to read its labels ↔

![GIS combines location-based layers for decisions](https://deep-learning-study-room.vercel.app/dm/fig/gis.9072f68acf.svg)

Diagram: GIS combines location-based layers for decisions. Labels: GIS combines location-based layers for decisions | GIS combines location-based layers for decisions | Hazard layer | Flood extent / slope / drought | Exposure layer | People, homes, roads, hospitals | Resources layer | Shelters, teams, water supply | Decision supported | Which places face danger? Who needs | assistance? Which route is usable? Where | should resources go? | Check data dates, accuracy and field reports; a map is decision support.

Different layers answer different operational questions.

1. **Mitigation.** Combine coastal elevation, modelled inundation and exposed settlements to guide land use and locate critical facilities outside high-risk areas.
2. **Preparedness.** Map safe high ground, marked routes, travel time, shelters and people needing assistance. Use realistic scenarios in evacuation drills.
3. **Response.** Overlay verified inundation, blocked roads, stranded people and available rescue resources. Use updated information to select safer access and prioritise urgent assistance.
4. **Recovery.** Compare before/after imagery, map damage and service restoration, plan safer reconstruction and monitor whether assistance reaches affected settlements.

Remote sensing can update affected-area mapping, but weather, resolution, signal availability and processing time may limit observations. Protect sensitive household and health information when sharing maps.

## Four measures to reduce future losses

1. **Monitoring and warning.** Connect seismic/ocean observations to actionable public alerts.
2. **Evacuation routes and drills.** Mark safe routes and destinations and include people needing assistance.
3. **Risk-informed siting.** Keep critical facilities and new vulnerable development outside mapped inundation zones.
4. **Resilient services and recovery.** Protect lifelines, prepare backups and rebuild with reduced exposure and better construction.

These measures reduce disaster impacts; they cannot prevent the submarine earthquake or every tsunami.